Brazilian born striker Diego Costa has revealed why he chose to represent Spain over the country of his birth.

The Atletico Madrid goal-getter admitted that Luis Felipe Scolari did not try and convince him to play for Brazil before he decided to represent the world champions.

"Scolari has never called me by phone,” Costa told Brazilian TV channel Globoesporte.

“The only coach with whom I have spoken is with Del Bosque, who cared for me, invited me to lunch and made me realise that I was in his plans.

“I'm Brazilian and this will not change, but I want to win the World Cup with Spain. Physically, I'm fine but I want to play,” Costa added.

Spain begin their World Cup defence against the Netherlands in Salvador on June 13.